If you’re a fan of French toast, you’ll be delighted to discover a cookie version that captures all the beloved flavors in a deliciously chewy form. These Chewy French Toast Cookies are a delightful fusion of breakfast and dessert, offering a unique twist on traditional cookie recipes. With their irresistible aroma of maple, vanilla, and warm spices, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Ingredients Needed for Making Chewy French Toast Cookies
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 cup (120ml) light corn syrup
- 2 teaspoons (10ml) pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons (10ml) maple extract (or 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup)
- 2 1/3 cups (292g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon (5g) baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) salt
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar (for rolling)
Timing
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
| 15 minutes | 10-12 minutes | 25-27 minutes |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking French Toast Cookies
Step 1- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats, ensuring they are ready for the cookie dough.
Step 2- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process helps incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in a tender cookie texture.
Step 3- Add the Wet Ingredients: Once the butter and sugars are well combined, add the egg yolk, light corn syrup, vanilla extract, and maple extract (or maple syrup). Mix well, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until everything is fully incorporated.
Step 4- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
Step 5- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth and cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 6- Roll the Dough Balls: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the dough into balls approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. Roll each dough ball in the remaining 1/4 cup (50g) of granulated sugar, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Step 7- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches (5 cm) apart to allow for spreading during baking.
Step 8- Bake and Cool: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they appear set but still soft in the center. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Your homemade Chewy French Toast Cookies are ready to be enjoyed. Serve them warm or at room temperature, and savor the delightful flavors of French toast in every bite.
Tips for Achieving Chewy Texture in Cookies
To ensure your French Toast Cookies have the perfect chewy texture, keep these tips in mind:
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Use Corn Syrup: The addition of light corn syrup in the recipe helps contribute to the chewiness of the cookies. It acts as a humectant, retaining moisture and preventing the cookies from becoming overly dry or crunchy.
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Don’t Overbake: Overbaking is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to dry, crunchy cookies. Follow the baking time closely and remove the cookies from the oven as soon as they appear set but still slightly underbaked in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
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Use Brown Sugar: Brown sugar contains molasses, which not only adds depth of flavor but also contributes to the chewy texture of the cookies. The combination of brown sugar and corn syrup creates a perfect balance of chewiness and moisture.
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Cream the Butter and Sugars Well: Properly creaming the butter and sugars together helps incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in a tender and chewy cookie texture.
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Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the dough can lead to the development of excess gluten, which can make the cookies tough and less chewy. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined, being careful not to overmix once the dry ingredients are added.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Chewy French Toast Cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
1- Breakfast or Brunch: Serve them alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or brunch treat.
2- Dessert: Offer them as a dessert option, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of maple syrup for an indulgent experience.
3- Snack Time: Pack them in lunchboxes or enjoy them as an afternoon snack with a glass of cold milk or a warm mug of hot chocolate.
4- Gift Giving: Package them beautifully in airtight containers or tins, making them a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift for friends and family.
Variations and Substitutions
While the classic recipe is undoubtedly delicious, you can experiment with different variations and substitutions to suit your preferences or dietary needs:
1- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for a gluten-free version.
2- Vegan Alternative: Replace the egg yolk with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or a commercial egg replacer. Use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter.
3- Nutmeg Substitution: If you’re not a fan of nutmeg, you can omit it or replace it with a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for a different flavor profile.
4- Maple Syrup Variation: For a more pronounced maple flavor, consider adding an extra tablespoon or two of pure maple syrup to the dough.
Nutritional Facts
Amount Per Serving:
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 2g
Conclusion
Chewy French Toast Cookies are a delightful fusion of breakfast and dessert flavors, offering a unique and indulgent twist on traditional cookie recipes. With their irresistible aroma of maple, vanilla, and warm spices, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your household. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, these homemade treats are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for something sweet and nostalgic. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on this delectable baking adventure to create a batch of these unforgettable Chewy French Toast Cookies.
FAQs
Can I use regular maple syrup instead of maple extract?
While you can substitute regular maple syrup for the maple extract, the flavor may not be as pronounced. If using maple syrup, start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to your taste preference.
Can I refrigerate or freeze the cookie dough for later use?
Yes, you can refrigerate the cookie dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let the dough thaw in the refrigerator overnight before portioning and baking.
How should I store the baked cookies?
Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain their chewiness, you can place a slice of bread or a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
If using salted butter, you may want to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to the dough?
Absolutely! These Chewy French Toast Cookies can be easily customized with the addition of mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit. Just fold in your desired mix-ins before portioning and baking the dough.
Remember, baking is an art, and experimentation is encouraged. Feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your preferences and dietary needs, and most importantly, have fun in the kitchen!